Three Officers Dismissed from UH Department of Public Safety

With his
appointment as chief of police at the University of Houston eight months ago,
Ceaser Moore brought to UH more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement,
including 27 and a half years with the Houston Police Department.

Moore,
who has specialized experience as an investigator, in an academic setting and
in a supervisory capacity, was well positioned to implement a number of bold
initiatives that resulted in multiple arrests in a recent series of robberies
on or near the UH campus. He has also worked to instill a strong sense of
professionalism, dedication, ethics and transparency throughout its ranks.

“I
have been proud of the performance of our department for its role in quickly
bringing to justice multiple suspects involved in recent robberies on or near
our campus,” Moore said. “That is the standard of professionalism and responsiveness
I expect and demand of our officers.”

Moore
demonstrated his commitment to these principles on Tuesday (Oct. 9), when he
took decisive steps to further strengthen his department by announcing the
dismissal of three of his own patrol officers for “failing a test of
integrity.”

The
veteran officers were fired for violation of department policy following an
investigation into the recent disappearance of two mini-appliances that fell
off the back of a delivery truck on campus.

After
learning of the incident, Moore notified the Harris County District Attorney’s
Office, which requested that UH police complete its internal affairs investigation.
The District Attorney’s Office now will determine if charges will be filed
against the officers.

“I am deeply disappointed by the circumstances
that have come to light as a result of our investigation into this incident,
which took place Sept. 27,” Moore said.

The
UH Department of Public Safety reports to Carl Carlucci, executive vice
chancellor/vice president for administration and finance.

“We
will not tolerate a lapse of integrity, or any action by our police officers
that fails to reassure the university community and the public that we are here
to protect and serve,” Carlucci said.

“We
have a talented and dedicated police force, and I am committed to making sure
that everyone on our force represents the university and our department with
professionalism and integrity.”

The
officers can appeal their dismissal, in accordance with university policy. Because
this is a personnel matter and because charges have not yet been filed, the
university is not releasing the names of the officers. The university and UHDPS
will have no further comment at this time.